Vienneau’s mother, Dayna Herroz, said she’s thankful for the break in the case.

“Part of the investigation was heading in a different direction completely,” Herroz recalled.

The San Diego County Crime Lab handled the mother and son’s case more than seven years ago. Today, 16 analysts work 125 cases per month with a backlog of 175 cases.

“It is probably the most important forensic tool that we have,” said Lab Director Mike Grubb.

Grubb said that at a time when other departments are cutting back, the federal government is investing in this technology because it has proven results.

“We've seen a decrease in crime rates nationwide over the last 10 or 15 years,” Grubb said.

Herroz is a true believer in the science of crime fighting.

“It can drive you crazy. It is probably the most painful thing anyone can through – the loss of a child,” she said.

Herroz – who’s now a crime victim-turned-advocate for the families of violent crimes – won’t get her beloved daughter back or grandson back, but said there is satisfaction in knowing the man responsible for the horrific killings is behind bars, serving life sentences.

“The trial is over. I don't have to worry about him. The appeal is over. I don’t have to worry about him,” Herroz told NBC 7 on Friday.

Meanwhile, the San Diego County Crime Lab will continue to use science to fight crime.

The bulk of the nearly $400,000 grant from the Department of Justice will be used to purchase a new genetic analyzer, a crucial tool that is used to prove that a DNA sample is unique. The rest of the funding will cover the much-needed overtime at the lab.